Fighting Fuel Poverty in Ryedale

Ryedale District Council in partnership with YES Energy Solutions has launched a new scheme to help local residents keep cosy and warm for less.

The Ryedale Energy Saver Scheme is a two year district wide heating and insulation project that helps local residents reduce their fuel bills with a strong focus on helping vulnerable householder’s improve their health and wellbeing.

Wall insulation, boiler replacements and other energy saving measures can be funded through a variety of sources including: Council grants, low cost loans and capital from the Government’s ECO programme.

Ryedale homeowners and private renting tenants on a low household income or those that claim specific state benefits (such as Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit) could qualify for support under the scheme.

Councillor Linda Cowling at Ryedale District Council explained:

‘We’re committed to helping local people access the latest energy saving opportunities, be it Council funds or support from central Government. Through the Ryedale Energy Saver Scheme we will check to see what support you are eligible for, what improvements are best for your home and connect you to trusted, industry approved installers.’

‘We are excited to launch the Ryedale Energy Saver Scheme and put a robust plan in place to reduce fuel poverty in the area. YES Energy Solutions have a lot of experience in delivering effective energy efficiency schemes and we are confident through working together, householders will be able to access the support they require - be it funding for energy efficient upgrades or energy saving advice.’

The project’s main aim is to help reduce fuel poverty in the area. A household is considered fuel poor when a resident’s income falls below the official poverty line after spending the actual amount needed to heat their home.

According to the latest Government statistics, Ryedale is one of the worst affected areas in the Yorkshire and Humber region where around 16% of homes are classed as fuel poor.

Ryedale District Council is committed to counteract this trend and help the most vulnerable residents save energy and money.

Duncan McCombie, Chief Executive of YES Energy Solutions said:

‘Fuel poverty is a growing problem across the UK and more needs to be done to help vulnerable householders take back control of their energy bills. The Ryedale scheme is a great example of how businesses can work in partnership with Local Authorities to promote affordable warmth. We are drawing in a number of different funding sources to widen the support available so more people can benefit and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.’

YES Energy Solutions will check each resident’s eligibility and carry out a detailed home assessment to determine how much funding can be claimed.

Householders are encouraged to call the Ryedale Energy Saver Helpline on: 0330 053 5631 to find out what support is available.